Monday, May 17, 2021 - Episode 310
By: Leslyn Keith, OTD, CLT-LANA
Selenium Deficiency in Lipedema
- Today I’d like to tell you about a paper by a group of researchers in Germany.
- Two authors are from a German pharmaceutical company and the third is a physician at a clinic for lymphatic conditions.
- The article is called: Selenium Deficiency in Lymphedema and Lipedema—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study from a Specialized Clinic.
- It was published in the medical journal Nutrients in April 2020.
- The aim of this observational study was to determine the prevalence of selenium deficiency in patients with primary or secondary lymphedema, lipedema, or lipo-lymphedema as well as the possible influence of obesity on the selenium status in this group.
- This study is important for women with lipedema because it seems that there is a significant incidence of selenium deficiency associated with this condition, even though it may not worsen with the progression of the disease.
- Additionally, there may be a benefit to selenium supplementation, especially if lipo-lymphedema is present.
- Interestingly, pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, and eggs all contain high amounts of selenium and can be found on a ketogenic diet.
- If you wish to try taking a selenium supplement, this should be done with the guidance of your physician after first determining if you have a selenium deficiency.